September 6, 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Julio Urias Placed on Administrative Leave Following Domestic Violence Arrest
In a shocking development, Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced that Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias has been placed on administrative leave just three days after being arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence
27-year-old Urias did not travel with the Dodgers following his arrest outside BMO Stadium on Sunday. He was taken into custody and charged with corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant. This charge can be filed as either a felony or misdemeanor, pending further investigation.
Under MLB’s joint domestic violence policy, the league has the authority to unilaterally place a player on administrative leave for a period of seven days, during which the player is paid but removed from the team’s roster. The leave can be renewed, subject to approval from the MLB Players Association.
This is not the first time Urias has faced allegations of domestic violence. In 2019, he was also placed on administrative leave following an arrest for alleged domestic battery. Although he was not charged, Urias was required to complete a yearlong domestic violence counseling program and was suspended by MLB for 20 games.
MLB has launched an investigation into Sunday’s incident, which saw Urias spend approximately five hours in custody before being released on $50,000 bail. The Dodgers released a statement acknowledging Urias’ arrest, stating, “While we attempt to learn all the facts, he will not be traveling with the team.”
The left-hander entered the 2023 season as the Dodgers’ ace, after leading the National League with a remarkable 2.16 ERA the previous year. He also finished third in NL Cy Young voting. Urias was expected to receive a lucrative contract in excess of $200 million as a free agent this winter. However, he has struggled this season, posting an 11-8 record with a 4.60 ERA, and allowing a career-high 24 home runs in just 117⅓ innings.
As the investigation continues, Urias’ future in the MLB remains uncertain. If found guilty, he could face severe consequences, potentially becoming the first player to be suspended twice under the league’s domestic violence policy.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.